County Clare, a side project for Shannon Slaughter when not traveling with Lou Reid & Carolina – a side project when Lou isn’t out with Seldom Scene – has announced some personnel changes.
Shannon has had some impressive chart success with his current solo project, The Sideman Steps Out, with tracks spending several weeks on our Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart. The album features Shannon on guitar and lead vocals on a set comprised primarily of his original songs, with lead and harmony vocals (and bass) provided by his lovely and talented wife, Heather.
Shannon and Heather have formed the backbone of County Clare since its inception, and this week, they announced two new members who will join them in performances this year, along with long-time mandolinist Ronald Inscore. On banjo will be Casey Murray, with John Boulware on fiddle.
The Sideman Steps Out was among our very favorite records of 2011, with stellar contributions from Joey Cox and Trevor Watson on banjo, Inscore and Lou Reid on mandolin, Ron Stewart on fiddle and Rob Ickes on reso.
It’s great to see that Shannon has such a strong new band to tour in support of this fine recording.
